The Tesla Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard have been officially added to Tesla’s lineup, following weeks of rumors and teasers. Both vehicles are now available for order on Tesla’s U.S. website, with deliveries scheduled between November 2025 and January 2026.
The move marks Tesla’s latest effort to expand its reach in the electric vehicle market by offering lower-cost versions of its most popular cars. The Model 3 Standard is slightly less expensive than the Model Y Standard, which starts at $39,990. Despite their lower prices, both models retain Tesla’s signature efficiency, with an estimated 321 miles (517 kilometers) of range on a single charge.
Model Y Standard: The Most Affordable Crossover Yet
The Model Y Standard RWD represents Tesla’s push to make its top-selling crossover more accessible. Priced at $39,990, it’s powered by a 69 kWh battery pack and delivers 300 horsepower, achieving 0–60 mph in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).
Tesla says the Model Y Standard can add 165 miles (265 km) of range in just 15 minutes using a 225 kW peak charger. Deliveries are set for November to December 2025, according to the company’s online configurator.
The car debuts a redesigned front and rear fascia, simplified body lines, and a new 18-inch wheel design optimized for aerodynamics. For those wanting more visual flair, 19-inch Aperture wheels are available for an additional $1,500, though they reduce range slightly to 303 miles (488 km).
Minimalist Exterior and Simplified Cabin
Tesla has stripped down the Standard trims to focus on essentials. The Model Y Standard omits the front and rear light bars seen in premium versions and limits color choices to Stealth Grey, Pearl White Multi-Coat ($1,000), and Diamond Black ($1,500). The only interior color available is black.
Inside, the cabin reflects Tesla’s evolving minimalist design philosophy. Both new models feature the familiar 15.4-inch central touchscreen, but lack a second-row display and ambient lighting. The seats now combine vegan leather with cloth inserts, and Tesla has removed AM/FM radio tuners, simplifying the multimedia setup. In some versions, the Model Y Standard has a metal roof instead of a full glass roof, but this isn’t mentioned.
While features like rear seat heating and ventilation are gone, key comforts remain — including heated front seats and traffic-aware cruise control. The Autosteer and Full Self-Driving functions, however, are absent from the Standard trims.
Model 3 Standard: A Surprise Addition
The Model 3 Standard was the unexpected star of the announcement. Sharing much of the same hardware as the Model Y Standard, it delivers the same 321-mile range with 286 horsepower, thanks to its lighter 3,759-lb curb weight. It accelerates from 0–60 mph in 5.8 seconds, making it slightly quicker than its crossover counterpart.
Priced at $36,990, the Model 3 Standard offers an entry point for drivers who want Tesla performance without the premium price. Deliveries are expected between December 2025 and January 2026.
The cabin includes manual seat and steering adjustments, a 7-speaker sound system, and a textile dashboard trim. Tesla has removed the rear infotainment screen but retained essentials such as the glass roof and adaptive high beams.
Cost Reductions and Hardware Efficiency
Industry watchers suggest that Tesla’s ability to lower prices likely comes from optimizing its battery and motor manufacturing processes. The company has reportedly reduced material use in its 69 kWh battery pack and simplified internal components, cutting costs without compromising performance.
The new models still run on Tesla’s Hardware 4 (HW4/AI4) platform and support Full Self-Driving (Supervised) as an $8,000 upgrade or a $99/month subscription.
Tesla’s New Lineup and Naming Simplification
With this launch, Tesla has also reorganized its naming structure. The previous “Long Range” trims have been rebranded as “Premium”, creating a more consistent lineup.
Updated U.S. lineup:
- Model 3 Standard RWD – $36,990
- Model 3 Premium RWD – $42,490
- Model 3 Premium AWD – $47,490
- Model 3 Performance – $54,990
- Model Y Standard RWD – $39,990
- Model Y Premium RWD – $44,990
- Model Y Premium AWD – $48,990
- Model Y Performance – $57,490
Market Response: Investors React
Tesla’s announcement followed a weekend teaser — a short GIF posted on the company’s social channels showing the Tesla logo and the date “10/7”, accompanied by what appeared to be headlights cutting through smoke. The cryptic post sparked investor optimism, pushing Tesla stock up more than 5% on Monday. However, shares later fell nearly 4% on Tuesday after the official update was released on Tesla’s website.
Availability in Canada: Still Uncertain
While the new models are now live in the U.S., Canadian buyers are still waiting. Tariffs on U.S.-made EVs continue to inflate prices north of the border. Analysts suggest the Model 3 Standard could cost around $60,000–$65,000 CAD if launched today.
The Model Y Standard, however, might reach Canada sooner. Production at Giga Berlin is expected to include this variant, potentially avoiding tariffs and making it available before the end of 2025.
By introducing the Model 3 and Model Y Standard, Tesla is strategically addressing a growing demand for affordable EVs — especially as U.S. buyers lose access to the $7,500 EV tax credit on some models.
Tesla’s focus on cost-cutting and efficiency reflects its long-term goal: making electric mobility mainstream. With these new Standard trims, the company reinforces its position as both a tech innovator and a market disruptor in the EV space.
